I-8 traffic shift scheduled

Starting 10 a.m. Wednesday, westbound Interstate 8 motorists will be shifted from the Evan Hewes Highway detour onto the westbound side of the freeway.

The traffic shift will take place on a 1.5-mile section located east of East Highline Canal Bridge and will result in traffic being limited to one lane in each direction of westbound I-8 from approximately 0.5 mile east of the canal bridge near Gordon’s Well Road to just west of the junction State Route 98/I-8 separation.

Starting 8 a.m. Friday, eastbound I-8 motorists will be shifted onto the westbound side of the freeway and then shifted back to the eastbound side just west of the SR98 junction, the state Department of Transportation reported.

The new configuration is needed so that crews can construct embankment and grade adjustments on I-8 just east of State Route 115/ Vanderlinden Road, a press release stated.

East of this traffic shift, motorists on eastbound I-8 will continue to use the westbound side of the freeway and motorists traveling westbound I-8 will continue to use the existing detour on Evan Hewes Highway. This traffic switch is anticipated to be in place through summer, Caltrans reported.

Occasional temporary lane and shoulder closures along I-8 will continue near State Route 111 to approximately 1 mile west of Orchard Road/State Route 7 to complete the work.

Construction on Segment 4 of the I-8 Update Project is anticipated to continue during weekday hours. Construction impacts include slower traffic flow and delays during peak travel times, particularly on Fridays from 3 to 7 p.m.